Laura Veirs - July Flame

I would like to introduce the first great record of the New Year. Veirs' 2005 album Year of Meteors was incredibly sweet, unabashed and pure (not to mention catchy) but at the same time I almost forgot about her after I was through listening to it. Listening to this album was a reminder of how great of a songwriter Veirs truly is. The production is smooth, but never too perfect. At times you can hear Karl Blau singing backup harmonies. It's quite different hearing him without the standard sloppiness that accompanies his solo records. Overall, July Flame is a great gem that won't go unnoticed or forgotten.

Marissa Nadler - Little Hells

It’s almost difficult listening to this album all at once because it’s too good. It’s the audio equivalent of looking into the sun. You can get a glimpse, but any more than that and it’d be too much to handle. This reminds me of Tiny Vipers (only because it’s a girl and her guitar singing slow, sad songs) but Marissa Nadler outshines, having put together a truly great record.